Gazan Students Pursue Studies in Morocco Amid Crisis
In a significant academic initiative, eight Palestinian students from Gaza have begun their studies at the Hassan II Institute of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine in Rabat, Morocco. This opportunity comes in the wake of the devastating Israeli aggression that has left over 143,000 casualties in Gaza since October 7, 2023, severely impacting educational institutions and infrastructure. Among the students is Abdel Rahman Jamal Hassanein Al-Daghma, who previously attended Al-Azhar University in Gaza. After enduring months of violence and destruction, he and his peers were given scholarships to continue their education in Morocco.
Al-Daghma, now in his final year of Agricultural Engineering, faced significant challenges during the conflict, including the destruction of his university, which resulted in the loss of classrooms and laboratories. Despite these setbacks, he managed to continue his studies online until he was able to relocate to Egypt and subsequently to Morocco for further education. The students received a warm welcome in Rabat, where they are eager to engage in practical lessons that were unavailable in Gaza due to the ongoing conflict.
Support for Palestinian Education
The initiative to bring Gazan students to Morocco is part of a broader commitment by the Moroccan government to support Palestinian education and solidarity with the Palestinian people. During a recent reception ceremony, registration certificates were handed out to the students in the presence of officials from the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Agency and other dignitaries. The Director of the Hassan II Institute, Abdelaziz Al-Hariqi, emphasized the importance of academic exchange between Moroccan and Palestinian institutions and pledged to support the students in their studies.
The Bayt Mal Al-Quds Agency, established to protect Arab and Islamic rights in Jerusalem, has played a crucial role in facilitating this initiative. The agency aims to enhance educational opportunities for Palestinian students, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges faced by educational institutions in Gaza. With many universities in Gaza either partially or completely destroyed, this scholarship program represents a vital lifeline for students seeking to complete their education and enter the workforce. The agency has also provided resources for online learning to support students during the crisis.
This initiative not only reflects Morocco's commitment to Palestinian solidarity but also highlights the resilience of Gazan students who continue to pursue their academic goals despite the dire circumstances they face.
